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cordial

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noun

Synonym Chooser

How is the word cordial different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cordial are affable, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When could affable be used to replace cordial?

The synonyms affable and cordial are sometimes interchangeable, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When is genial a more appropriate choice than cordial?

In some situations, the words genial and cordial are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

In what contexts can gracious take the place of cordial?

The words gracious and cordial can be used in similar contexts, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use sociable instead of cordial?

While the synonyms sociable and cordial are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

How is the word cordial different from other adjectives like it?

Some common synonyms of cordial are affable, genial, gracious, and sociable. While all these words mean "markedly pleasant and easy in social intercourse," cordial stresses warmth and heartiness.

our host was cordial as he greeted us

When could affable be used to replace cordial?

The synonyms affable and cordial are sometimes interchangeable, but affable implies easy approachability and readiness to respond pleasantly to conversation or requests or proposals.

though wealthy, she was affable to all

When is genial a more appropriate choice than cordial?

In some situations, the words genial and cordial are roughly equivalent. However, genial stresses cheerfulness and even joviality.

a genial companion with a ready quip

In what contexts can gracious take the place of cordial?

The words gracious and cordial can be used in similar contexts, but gracious implies courtesy and kindly consideration.

the gracious award winner thanked her colleagues

When is it sensible to use sociable instead of cordial?

While the synonyms sociable and cordial are close in meaning, sociable suggests a genuine liking for the companionship of others.

sociable people who enjoy entertaining

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Recent Examples of cordial
Adjective
The Angel’s Envy Series Cask Strength Bourbon's taste profile begins with cherry cordial and salted caramel that lead into a rich, layered palate of apple cider, red wine notes, and creamy ganache. Maggie Menderski, Louisville Courier Journal, 31 Mar. 2026 However, sources familiar with the discussion told the Miami Herald that the encounter was cordial and focused on restoring democratic institutions in Venezuela, including eventual elections, institutional reforms and the creation of conditions to attract foreign investment. Antonio María Delgado, Miami Herald, 31 Mar. 2026
Noun
To wit, cordials, shrubs and kombuchas are all made in-house, inspired by seasonality. Brad Japhe, The Hollywood Reporter, 15 Feb. 2025 There was bad news for American whiskey, however, which was down by nearly two percent (more than $5 billion) and cordials (down 3.6 percent). Jonah Flicker, Robb Report, 14 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for cordial
Recent Examples of Synonyms for cordial
Adjective
  • When deep sleep is fragmented by alcohol, a warm bedroom or an inconsistent bedtime, the entire circuit falters and growth hormone output drops significantly.
    Allison Palmer, Miami Herald, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Provide afternoon shade in warm climates.
    Patricia S York, Southern Living, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The architecture reflects that stately sensibility, with a classic Colonial Revival facade that gives way to interiors scaled for both gracious entertaining and relaxed family living.
    Mark David, Robb Report, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Polished, gracious — with a shadow just beneath the surface.
    Merle Ginsberg, HollywoodReporter, 24 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The guests, influenced by a secondhand spirit of festivity, ordered a round of Melonades, a refreshing, bittersweet concoction of vodka, lemon, and cantaloupe, topped with a heap of crushed ice.
    Dan Stahl, New Yorker, 1 May 2026
  • This month, a refreshing energy drink alternative, moreish Parmesan ranch potato chips, and our current favorite wood cutting board.
    Alaina Chou, Bon Appetit Magazine, 30 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Anyway, just being back on the court under game conditions had to have been a tonic.
    Jim Alexander, Oc Register, 30 Apr. 2026
  • The Italian wants to act like an older brother or father figure to the squad to try to guide them away from danger and these three points are the perfect tonic for their fragile confidence.
    Jay Harris, New York Times, 26 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • The shows are accompanied by similar drops in ad revenue and increasing production costs, an ongoing shift to digital viewership, political constraints and publicity-friendly interview questions.
    Rick Kogan, Chicago Tribune, 29 Apr. 2026
  • Putin presided over a parade that featured hardware such as the Geran-2, the Russian version of Iran’s Shahed drone, and played host to friendly leaders including Chinese President Xi Jinping.
    Nathan Hodge, CNN Money, 29 Apr. 2026
Adjective
  • Repair bare spots in the lawn to make your yard less hospitable for ground-nesting bees.
    Arricca Elin SanSone, Southern Living, 24 Apr. 2026
  • Smith incorporated Federal Express in 1971 in Little Rock, then moved the company to the hospitable and more centrally located Memphis International Airport.
    John Beifuss, USA Today, 15 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • But its primary association in the public consciousness since the nineteen-eighties is with the criminal underworld, particularly the drug cartels.
    Chris Wiley, New Yorker, 28 Apr. 2026
  • The new shelter will allow residents to bring pets, which most shelters prohibit, offer a drug and alcohol treatment program and mental health services and assign those admitted a caseworker who will help connect them with professional development programs.
    Michael Cuglietta, The Orlando Sentinel, 28 Apr. 2026
Noun
  • Additionally, while the software framework has already been validated on current industrial robots, its deployment in more sensitive fields like medicine is currently bottlenecked by hardware limitations.
    Jacek Krywko, ArsTechnica, 26 Apr. 2026
  • Gaza’s most dire conditions — the lack of food and medicine, continuing Israeli attacks, destroyed hospitals, schools and residential buildings, homelessness and overcrowding — now include rodents, climbing temperatures and open-air sewage.
    Jeremy Mikula, NBC news, 26 Apr. 2026

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Cite this Entry

“Cordial.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/cordial. Accessed 2 May. 2026.

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